Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Expanding our knowledge of the universe.
Public events
Milky Way Nights August 23 - cloudy conditions forecast for tonight's event. There will be no observing tonight. Please check conditions before going to observatory. We cannot operate the telescopes if sky is rainy or overcast. There is no formal program, Milky Way Nights is an observing event.
School programming
Book your class in for a day or evening of experiential learning opportunity at a working science facility.
Dark skies
Learn how we are working on preserving the wilderness of the night sky in and around Calgary.
Where to find us
Rothney Astrophysical Observatory
Address
210 Avenue W, Hwy 22 S
Foothills No. 31, AB T0L 1W0
Phone
(403) 931-2366
GPS coordinates
Lat 50.868039 deg N, Long 114.291142 deg W
Directions
The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) is located near Priddis, Alberta, about 30 kilometres southwest of the Calgary city centre. It is less than an hour drive from the University of Calgary.
- Take Macleod Trail south.
- Go west on Highway 22X, towards the mountains.
- Continue past Spruce Meadows, past 37 Street, 69 Street and 83 Street to a major intersection where Highway 22X meets Highway 22 (this intersection is illuminated after dark).
- Turn left toward Millarville (heading south).
- About 1.2 kilometres south of Highway 22, look for the big RAO sign on the west side of the highway. Drive through the gate and follow the gravel road up the hill to the parking area.
Click image to open Google Maps.